Gardening articles from Common Sense Home. From finding the right seeds to preserving the harvest, we share tested tips and information.
I (Laurie) have been working the soil for over 50 years, since I was a toddler following my mom around in the dirt. We’ve tried a lot of different things, researched, and talked with friends to bring you real, practical information.
Gardening categories covered on the site include:
Getting Started – Soil Health and Fertilizers – Seed Starting – Vegetables – Tomatoes – Fruits – Herbs – Vertical Gardening – Tools and Equipment – Pest Control – Permaculture – Season Extension – Crop Storage – Preserving the Harvest – Inspiration – Book Reviews – Wildcrafting – Using Your Weeds
Keep an eye out for printable charts (featured in several different articles). We have a free garden planner for newsletter subscribers, and offer online gardening courses for more information.
Edible flowers are a great way to add color and flavor to dishes, plus they make wonderful companion plants. We share which parts of flowers are edible (flower petal or whole flower), how they taste, and how to use them. The top 15 list features flowers that are most commonly used and easily identified. For…
Heirloom seed companies have been making a comeback, but what exactly are heirloom seeds, and where the best place to buy them? I’m sharing my favorite seed companies, plus reader recommendations and some unique seed sources to investigate. These heirloom seed companies will help you bring old fashioned flavors, scents, and colors back to your…
Currants are a great plant for edible landscapes. Their bright berries are high in vitamin C, and they tolerate light shade. We’ll share how to grow them, when to harvest, and how to use them. Growing currants and gooseberries is banned in some parts of the United States due to concerns about white pine blister…
Parsnips are one of our favorite root vegetables, and have a spot in the garden each year. We’ll share how to grow and harvest them, plus cooking tips and one thing to watch out for when you grow them.
Starting an herb garden? Try incorporating unique ideas like hanging planters, herb spirals, and themed herb beds (e.g. Italian, pollinator-friendly, favorite herb book). Fresh herbs add beauty and flavor to meals, and have many other uses, too.